2023 World champion Max Verstappen was fastest in the first and only free practice ahead of the US Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Verstappen set the fastest lap of 1:35.912 minutes on the 5.513 km course at the Austin circuit. The Dutchman edged Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 0.156 seconds. Britain’s Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes set the third time, 0.281 seconds behind.
Both Haas drivers were the surprise of the practice session with Kevin Magnussen fifth and Nico Hülgenberg ninth ahead of their team’s home grand prix.
Max Verstappen goes fastest in Practice 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/dymBTsfCDb
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 20, 2023
Alfa Tauri’s Daniel Ricciardo set the 14th time on his return from wrist injury. The Australian has missed the last five races after breaking his left hand in practice ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25.